Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has decided to change the uniform colour for students of class IX and X of all government and aided schools in the state, a report said.

The white and blue colour combination will be replaced by 'hunter green' colour. Their uniform will also carry a logo of 'Ame Gadhibu Nua Odisha'.

This apart, black shoes and white socks will be made compulsory for the students.

The Directorate of Secondary Education has written to all Collectors and District Education Officers regarding guidelines for procurement of distribution of uniform.

"All the students of class IX and X of government and aided secondary schools will be provided with two pairs of uniforms worth Rs. 550, one pair of shoes and two pairs of socks worth Rs. 200, one T-shirt worth Rs. 125, and one track pant worth Rs. 125. The total of Rs. 1000 is inclusive of the tax as applicable, the cost of branding and transportation of uniform, T-shirt, shoes, socks and track pants. The fund will be provided from the State plan," the directorate said in the letter.

The directorate also mentioned the following guidelines in this regard.

* One pair of black shoes and two pairs of white socks will be distributed among the students.

* Uniform for House system-- For schools with less than 100 students, 2 houses will be formed and out of the four T-Shirt colours, any two can be chosen. For schools with more than 100 students, 4 houses will be formed with T-Shirts of 4 colours.

* Each student will get one T-Shirt with branding and 1 track pant.

* The prescribed amount will be provided to the joint account of HM and SMC/ SMDC and they will undertake the procurement and distribution within the timeline. Accordingly, a separate account will be opened. All these accessories will be as per the measurements of the students.

* Special attention to be given to the quality of the materials procured.

* A register should be maintained during distribution of the above materials and the class-wise details of students to be entered.

* It should be ensured that the procurement and distribution of above-mentioned items is completed by 15-07-2023.

* The distribution to be carried out in the presence of eminent persons of the locality and details along with photographs shall be kept for documentation.